Injectables

What About Injectables?

There is no question that injectable products can do things that facelifts cannot do, and facelifts certainly do things that injections cannot. When used together, they frequently create a truly stunning cosmetic result.

The Composite Facelift produces a high cheek mass by moving the cheek fat upward, as opposed to injection techniques, which simply make the cheeks fatter without upward repositioning. There is little need, therefore, for injectables around the cheeks and lower eyelid in the composite facelift patient. Good long-term results are achieved in these areas with the Composite lift and the septal reset because the patient's own cheek fat and lower eyelid fat are repositioned.

There are, however, several areas where injectables are the only way to achieve a desired improvement.

Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines respond beautifully to VOLUMA®, a hyaluronic acid that may last two years. Another area that can benefit is the temporal fossa, the area of the temple that, with aging, frequently appears “sunken.” Restoring volume to this area brings it in line with the lateral forehead and upper cheek area.

JUVÉDERM® is another hyaluronic acid product that works well for injecting the lips. A simple dental block numbs the lips, allowing injections to be done without causing discomfort. Juvéderm injections last about six months, though some patients seem to maintain it longer.

BOTOX® is frequently used after a facelift. It immobilizes specific muscles of the face to eliminate wrinkles. Areas that are often injected are between the eyebrows for the frown lines, across the forehead for the horizontal lines that occur when raising the brow, and the smile lines on each side of the eyes that crease with animation. Botox lasts only three months, but injection is easy and painless.

VOLBELLA®XC is the first and only Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler FDA approved to instantly add subtle volume to the lip area and soften the appearance of the vertical lines above them. It is clinically proven to last up to one year with optimal treatment. Volbella® XC is also a Brilliant Distinctions product.

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Marionette Lines

Top Image: Before use of injectables the "Marionette Lines" extending downward from the corners of the mouth add to the appearance of an aging face.

Bottom Image: Judicious use of injectables can fill in and reduce the appearance of these lines.

Please click on the images or the arrows below to see other examples of selective application of injectables.

Marionette Lines

Top Image: Before use of injectables the "Marionette Lines" extending downward from the corners of the mouth add to the appearance of an aging face.

Bottom Image: Judicious use of injectables can fill in and reduce the appearance of these lines.

Nasolabial Fold

Left Image: The deep nasolabial fold from the nose to the corner of the mouth is a good candidate for injectibles.

Right Image: Judicious use of injectables can fill in this area and restore a more youthful appearance.

"Sunken" Temples

Left Image: The temporal fossa is the area on the side of the face (behind the eyes) that with aging, frequently appears “sunken” or "hollow."

Right Image: Judicious use of injectables can fill in this area and restore a more youthful appearance.

"Sunken" Temples

Left Image: This frontal view shows more of the nature of this hollow area.

Right Image: Judicious use of injectables has filled in this area and helped restore a more youthful appearance.

Additional Information:

Dr. Hamra is a participating surgeon in the Allergan BRILLIANT DISTINCTIONS® Rewards program. If you're not already enrolled, you can find complete details on signing up and program benefits their website.